FRANKSTON City Council has been given $150,000 towards the redevelopment of a Seaford Library.

Carrum MP Donna Bauer said the announcement was fantastic news for the Seaford community.

The project will see the Seaford Junior Library redeveloped to provide a library accessible to all members of the community.

Situated within the Seaford Community Centre, the redevelopment will include a refurbishment of meeting rooms to be used by the library service, an outdoor courtyard for reading, study or use of the free wifi.

The council customer service centre will also be housed within the facility, allowing for extended opening hours of 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and 9am-12pm on Saturdays.

Mrs Bauer said the announcement was particularly exciting for the Seaford Junior Library, which this year celebrates its 50th year.

“Minister for Local Government Tim Bull accepted my invitation to visit the library at the end of April and he was able to see for himself the great work librarian Bev Motteram and her supportive committee does in the local community,” Mrs Bauer said.

“During that visit, the Minister was told about our push to get funding for a library redevelopment, and I am thrilled that he has responded so quickly. The Seaford Junior Library has been and is an important asset to this community. This funding means that all members of the community can enjoy the facilities.”

Frankston Mayor Darrel Taylor said he too, was delighted with the news.

“This redevelopment will be an asset for all the community, and secure the future of the junior library, which specialises in books for preschool and primary school-aged children. The services it provides are a great asset to young families in the area. I would like to thank the Member for Carrum for her ongoing support for this redevelopment,” Cr Taylor said.

The grant is part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program to support councils and regional libraries in the enhancement of public library facilities across Victoria.

Forty-five projects have been successful in receiving $12.4 million over three funding rounds of the program between 2011-13, and the government has now allocated an additional $17.2 million over four years.

Construction works are starting at the Seaford Community Centre on Monday 17 August 2015 with completion and re-opening scheduled for this coming summer. There will be an increase in noise levels at times. Council will work with businesses and the community to minimize inconvenience and work after-hours as much as possible.

The works will provide an updated, modern facility for the Seaford community.

The current Customer Service Centre will relocate from 120 Nepean Highway in Seaford

An improved meeting room

Updated toilets

Free Wi-Fi and public computers for residents

Access and ParkingDuring the works, there may be changes to parking in the area. Please check local signage for updates.

Groups with existing bookings for the main hall will have access during construction. No new bookings can be made for during the construction period. The meeting room and kitchen at the front of the hall will be unavailable.

The Seaford Community Centre upgrade is jointly funded by Council and the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments.